Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that has four stages. In the first stage, the main symptom is a sore that can look like a cut, an ingrown hair, or a harmless bump. The second stage starts with a rash on your body, followed by sores in your mouth, vagina, or anus.
Symptoms usually disappear in the third stage. This stage can last for years or the rest of your life. In the last stage, syphilis causes organ and nerve damage. It can also cause problems in your brain. Only about 15% of people with untreated syphilis will have the final stage.